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Planning Commission approves Alpha Kids Academy at Ninth Church with traffic conditions
Summary
The San Francisco Planning Commission approved a conditional-use authorization for Alpha Kids Academy to operate a childcare center at 175 Junipero Serra Boulevard, with conditions requiring a transportation management plan, crossing guards at pick-up/drop-off times and establishment of a white loading zone to address neighborhood traffic and safety concerns.
The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously July 26 to approve a conditional-use authorization for Alpha Kids Academy to operate a childcare facility in the Sunday school building of the Ninth Church of Christ Scientist at 175 Junipero Serra Boulevard.
Staff told the commission the project would occupy about 2,700 square feet and operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., serving children ages 2½ to 6. The sponsor told commissioners the center expects to serve typically 20–40 children and could have up to 60 over the course of a day, will apply for state licensing, and will provide three off-street parking spaces on the site.
The application drew substantial public comment. Supporters — including parents and the church’s executive board — told the commission the neighborhood needs full‑time, high‑quality preschool options and praised the sponsor’s curriculum and community ties. Neighbors and the Balboa Terrace Homes Association raised concerns about traffic congestion, street‑parking pressure, trash and emergency vehicle access on narrow streets, and asked for time to obtain legal advice about deed restrictions (CC&Rs) that may limit business uses on the church property.
In response to those concerns, commissioners discussed possible mitigations. The commission’s motion, adopted unanimously, approved the conditional use with conditions requiring the project sponsor to prepare and implement a transportation/traffic management plan, institute a staffed traffic monitoring/guard during student drop‑off and pick‑up periods, and reestablish a white loading zone or equivalent short‑term curb space for drop‑offs. Commissioners and the city attorney clarified that the commission has no jurisdiction to decide private CC&R disputes, which remain a private legal matter between the church and the neighborhood association.
Project sponsor Nasala Sherin told the commission the school would hire on‑site staff to manage traffic and security and that the sponsor would pursue the white‑zone designation and curb changes with the city once approved. Sherin said the sponsor would stagger drop‑off times so parents do not all arrive at once and that the site includes four on‑site car spaces parents can use when needed.
The commission concluded by noting the approval is a land‑use authorization and that state licensing, building and life‑safety approvals (including fire and state child-care licensing) must be obtained before the center opens. The commission also left the door open for follow‑up enforcement or permit changes should subsequent reviews identify safety or operational problems.
